Red Bull-bound Kvyat excited for home race

Daniil Kvyat will become the first Russian to race in a home Grand Prix when the first Russian Grand Prix takes place this weekend in Sochi, writes James Beckett.

Host city for the 2014 Winter Olympics, the new Russian F1 track has been constructed on roads running around and through the former Olympic Village.

Its street circuit style has already been acknowledged for its fast and demanding nature, after reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel visited the venue last month.

Kvyat is looking forward to racing in Sochi for the Bicester-based Toro Rosso team. The 20-year-old said: “It’s always great to race with your fellow countrymen looking on. I am very much looking forward to racing in Sochi and I feel no pressure as the weekend approaches.

“I think Russians are in for a treat this weekend as, apart from demonstrations in Moscow, F1 cars have not been seen here before.”

Although only in his debut season at the tender age of 20, Kvyat has been announced as Vettel’s replacement for the Red Bull team next year having impressed many onlookers in 2014.

Max Verstappen has already signed for Toro Rosso for next season as replacement for the departing Jean-Eric Vergne. It is widely expected that Carlos Sainz Jr. will become Toro Rosso’s second driver, as the Spaniard has been part of the Red Bull Youth Academy for several years in lower formula including Formula 3 and Formula Renault 3.5.